17/10/14 - Post performance and overall evaluation

Last night my cast and I performed our 'Noughts and Crosses' play to everyone's parents. I think it went really well and everyone did their best! I gave the performance my all and instead of having a nervous breakdown, I used my nerves to fuel my excitement. The only thing I found annoying about the evening was the fact that lots of parents were late, and as the door is very squeaky, it was very loud and annoying! But everyone was very good at staying in character, I didn't see anyone break out of character.

The strengths of my performance was my facial expressions, hand gestures, body movements and my use of voice. My facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements really showed what my character was feeling, and because I found Lynette a hard character to interpret, I am proud of the outcome. I used more clarity and diction in my voice so that everyone could hear me clearly and understand every line I delivered. I know that I pulled it off well because when my family gave me feedback, that was the first thing they commented on, my voice was clear. 

If I had to change anything about my performance, I would try to raise my voice even louder if my character is supposed to be angry, but other than that, I think I did a good job!

The overall performance was smooth apart from one long silence, but that was covered up by some improvisation and no-one seemed to realize that that wasn't meant to happen, I think the audience though it was there for suspense! Our stylized opening and ending worked without any mistakes, everyone (from what I saw) was in time to the music and it was really effective. Our transitions were simple but easy to understand.  

I really liked Jamie's acting during the performance because you could really see her character's emotions. She and Oliver had a long pause but she managed to stay in role the whole time and she picked up the scene swiftly by saying some of her other lines. I found that brave of her to be on stage and sort out a problem whilst acting at the same time.

On the 18th September I wrote out some long term targets:

• Contribute more in class because I'm much shyer when I'm not acting
• To become more fit and healthy because I am losing my breath VERY quickly
• Try out different voices/accents to suit my character
• Research more into my character's feelings and show them

I didn't contribute a lot in my Theatre lessons because I like to listen to others first, but I think I can definitely say that my confidence has grown within the last eight weeks. I have done things I don't usually do in front of others because I would usually think it is embarrassing and stupid. The warm-ups and exercises helped me because we had to do silly things in front of each other, and after a while I wasn't shy or quiet about it anymore because I realized that we were all there for a reason - we wanted to act! - so there was no need to be shy.

So, the last eight weeks have been very tiring for me and I'm very glad about a two week holiday, but I'm excited to do more Theatre! 

- Matilda ^_^